DMS TCHATT – FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What is TCHATT?
  • Funded by the Texas Legislature in 2019, The Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine Program (TCHATT) aims to increase access to mental health services for school children across Texas. Dell Medical School is one of 13 health-related institutions that offers TCHATT services to school district staff, students, and families.
What does DMS TCHATT offer?
  • TCHATT offers four services:
    1) Assessment, brief intervention, and stabilization for students through telemedicine appointments;
    2) Care coordination assistance with referrals to community mental health services;
    3) Consultation for school personnel on mental health crisis response protocols, screening tools, and programming;
    4) Mental health education & training for school personnel.
Who does DMS TCHATT serve?
  • The DMS TCHATT program offers services to school districts, staff, students, and families in 13 Central Texas Counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coryell, Fayette, Hamilton, Hays, Lampassas, Lee, Mills, Travis, Williamson.
Which school districts offer DMS TCHATT services?
  • The Dell Med TCHATT program is currently partnering with twenty-seven (27) school districts to offer telehealth sessions for students: Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Copperas Cove ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Elgin ISD, Eanes ISD, Florence ISD, Georgetown ISD, Goldthwaite CISD, Harmony Schools, Hays CISD, Hutto ISD, Johnson City ISD, Jubilee Academies, Leander ISD, Lexington ISD, Lockhart ISD, Manor ISD, Marble Falls ISD, Round Rock ISD, San Marcos ISD, Smithville ISD, Taylor ISD, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impared, Texas School for the Deaf, Wayside Schools, and Wimberley ISD.
Does a student have to be in a school district that partners with DMS TCHATT to eligible to participate in a telehealth session?
  • Yes. Only students who are enrolled in school districts that have established partnerships with the Dell Med TCHATT program may participate in telehealth sessions.
DMS TCHATT does not provide services in my school district. How can I get DMS TCHATT to partner with my school district?
  • DMS TCHATT welcomes partnerships with all school districts in its Central Texas catchment area. Any school district interested in implementing Dell Med TCHATT services on one or more of its school campuses should reach out to their district or campus counseling services for more information
How much does TCHATT cost?
  • TCHATT is funded through the Texas Legislature and is offered free of charge to school districts, students, and families.
What is a Campus Liaison?
  • A Campus Liaison is a school staff member, typically a counselor or nurse, who works closely with TCHATT staff to ensure successful implementation of the TCHATT program on their campus. Campus Liaisons identify students who could benefit from TCHATT services and schedule and facilitate appointments on their behalf.
What are the DMS TCHATT program’s hours of operation?
  • The TCHATT program is available Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
What languages can TCHATT provide services in?
  • TCHATT can provide services in ALL languages including American Sign Language (ASL).

Telehealth Session FAQs

How many sessions can a student have with a DMS TCHATT provider?
  • The state has allocated funding for up to 5 telehealth sessions, per academic year, per student. At the discretion of the Mental Health Provider, additional sessions may be provided, as part of the TCHATT program. If a student needs continued care TCHATT staff will work with the student’s Guardian to identify an appropriate referral.
Does a student have to have insurance to see a DMS TCHATT provider?
  • No. The TCHATT program is offered free of charge. TCHATT providers may ask a student/family about their insurance coverage for purposes of referring the child to a provider in the community for follow-up care.
What kinds of providers conduct DMS TCHATT sessions with students?
  • TCHATT providers include pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and counselors. The type of provider is assigned based on the needs of the student. Please note, Dell Medical School is a training facility and your provider may include mental health trainees who provide care under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
How long is each type of session that TCHATT offers?
  • Sessions can range from 30 minutes to 90+ minutes.
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